Introduction
This manual provides comprehensive instructions for the Emerson EPB-3003 Portable CD/Cassette Boombox. It covers essential information regarding setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your device. Please read this manual thoroughly before using the product.
Safety Information
To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove the cover (or back). No user-serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified service personnel.
- Do not expose this appliance to rain or moisture.
- Do not block any ventilation openings.
- Ensure proper ventilation around the unit.
- Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
- Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched.
- Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
- Unplug this appliance during lightning storms or when unused for long periods.
- Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
Package Contents
Upon opening the package, verify that the following items are included:
- Emerson EPB-3003 Portable CD/Cassette Boombox
- AC Power Adapter Cord
- User Manual
Product Overview
The Emerson EPB-3003 is a versatile portable stereo system designed for various audio playback needs. It features a top-loading CD player, a cassette player with recording capabilities, an AM/FM radio, and an auxiliary input for external devices. The unit is equipped with dual speakers for clear stereo sound and can be powered by AC or batteries for portability.

Image: Front view of the Emerson EPB-3003 Portable CD/Cassette Boombox in white, showing the control panel, CD compartment, cassette deck, and dual speakers.
Video: A 360-degree product overview of the Emerson EPB-3003 Portable CD/Cassette Boombox, demonstrating its design and various angles.
Setup
Powering the Unit
The EPB-3003 can be powered using the included AC adapter or by batteries.
- AC Power: Connect the AC power adapter cord to the AC IN jack on the back of the unit and plug the other end into a standard wall outlet.
- Battery Power: For portable use, open the battery compartment on the bottom of the unit. Insert 6 x "C" size batteries (not included), ensuring correct polarity (+/-). Close the battery compartment securely.
Antenna Adjustment
For optimal FM radio reception, extend the telescopic antenna fully and adjust its position. For AM reception, the unit has a built-in ferrite bar antenna; rotate the unit for best reception.
Operating Instructions
General Controls
- POWER/FUNCTION Button: Press to turn the unit ON/OFF. Press repeatedly to cycle through functions: CD, TAPE, AM, FM, AUX.
- VOLUME +/- Buttons: Adjust the playback volume.
- HEADPHONE Jack: Connect standard 3.5mm headphones for private listening.
- AUX IN Jack: Connect external audio devices using a 3.5mm audio cable.
CD Player Operation

Image: A hand carefully placing a compact disc into the top-loading CD compartment of the boombox.
- Press the POWER/FUNCTION button until "CD" appears on the display.
- Open the CD compartment cover.
- Place a CD (CD, CD-R, or CD-RW) onto the spindle with the label side facing up.
- Close the CD compartment cover. The unit will read the disc, and the total number of tracks will be displayed.
- Press the PLAY/PAUSE (►/||) button to start playback.
- Press SKIP FORWARD (►►) or SKIP BACKWARD (◄◄) to navigate between tracks.
- Press and hold SKIP FORWARD (►►) or SKIP BACKWARD (◄◄) for fast forward/rewind within a track.
- Press the STOP (■) button to stop playback.
- Program Play: While in stop mode, press the PROG/M-MODE button to enter program mode. Use SKIP FORWARD (►►) or SKIP BACKWARD (◄◄) to select a track, then press PROG/M-MODE to add it to the program list. Repeat for up to 20 tracks. Press PLAY/PAUSE (►/||) to start programmed playback.
Cassette Player Operation

Image: A hand inserting a clear cassette tape into the open cassette compartment of a black Emerson boombox.
- Press the POWER/FUNCTION button until "TAPE" appears on the display.
- Open the cassette compartment door.
- Insert a cassette tape with the open edge facing upwards.
- Close the cassette compartment door.
- Use the cassette control buttons:
- PLAY (►): Starts tape playback.
- STOP/EJECT (■/▲): Stops playback; press again to eject the tape.
- FAST FORWARD (FF): Advances the tape quickly.
- REWIND (REW): Rewinds the tape quickly.
- PAUSE (||): Temporarily stops playback or recording. Press again to resume.
Tape Recorder Operation

Image: A hand holding a cassette tape with "80's Mix" written on it, positioned above the open cassette deck of a white Emerson boombox, indicating recording functionality.
The unit can record audio from the CD player, AM/FM radio, or AUX input onto a cassette tape.
- Insert a blank cassette tape into the cassette compartment.
- Select the desired source (CD, AM, FM, or AUX) using the POWER/FUNCTION button.
- Start playback on the source (e.g., play a CD, tune to a radio station, start playing from an AUX device).
- Press the RECORD (REC) button on the cassette deck. The PLAY (►) button will also engage, and recording will begin.
- To pause recording, press the PAUSE (||) button. Press again to resume.
- To stop recording, press the STOP (■) button.
Note: This unit records audio from the selected source. It does not record voice directly via a built-in microphone.
AM/FM Radio Operation

Image: A lilac Emerson boombox with its telescopic antenna extended, showing a digital display tuned to a radio frequency, set in a home environment.
- Press the POWER/FUNCTION button until "AM" or "FM" appears on the display.
- Manual Tuning: Press the TUNE +/- buttons to manually adjust the frequency.
- Auto Scan: Press the SCAN button to automatically scan and stop at the next available station.
- Preset Stations:
- Storing Presets: Tune to the desired station. Press the PROG/M-MODE button. The display will show "P01" (or the next available preset number). Use the MEM- or MEM+ buttons to select the desired preset number. Press PROG/M-MODE again quickly to confirm and save the station. Repeat for up to 20 FM and 20 AM presets.
- Recalling Presets: In AM or FM mode, press the MEM- or MEM+ buttons to cycle through your stored preset stations.
Note: Storing radio presets requires quick button presses. If the display times out, repeat the steps.
AUX Input Operation
Connect an external audio device (e.g., smartphone, MP3 player) to the AUX IN jack using a 3.5mm audio cable.
- Press the POWER/FUNCTION button until "AUX" appears on the display.
- Start playback on your connected external device.
- Adjust the volume using the VOLUME +/- buttons on the boombox and/or your external device.
Maintenance
Cleaning the Unit
- Wipe the exterior of the unit with a soft, damp cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents.
- For the CD lens, use a specialized CD lens cleaner disc.
- For the cassette deck, periodically clean the tape heads and pinch rollers with a cotton swab lightly dampened with isopropyl alcohol.
Battery Care
- Remove batteries if the unit will not be used for an extended period to prevent leakage.
- Do not mix old and new batteries, or different types of batteries.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Unit does not power on. |
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| No sound from speakers. |
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| CD does not play or skips. |
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| Cassette tape does not play or sounds distorted. |
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| Poor radio reception. |
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Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model Number | EPB-3003 |
| Product Dimensions (L x W x H) | 9.1 x 8.5 x 4.5 inches |
| Item Weight | 2.86 pounds |
| Power Source | AC 120V ~ 60Hz or 6 x "C" size batteries (not included) |
| Connectivity Technology | Auxiliary |
| Speaker Type | Stereo |
| Supported Media | CD, CD-R, CD-RW, Cassette Tape, AM/FM Radio, AUX Input |

Image: A visual representation of the Emerson EPB-3003 boombox with its key dimensions (length, width, height) and weight indicated.
Warranty and Support
For warranty information and customer support, please refer to the documentation included with your purchase or visit the official Emerson website.





